The soldier smirked. “Someone who doesn’t answer to a little girl like you. If you have your permits, let me see them.”
Babylonia glanced across the tent. A man dressed in similar fatigues was carrying a large box of paperwork back toward his ship. She frowned. “I had paperwork, but your man just took it.” She pointed in his direction. “See that man there. If you could just stop him. He has my papers.”
“So, you’re telling me that you don’t have a copy of your permits with you?”
She groaned, her breath exhaling with an exaggerated sigh. “Yes, that’s what I’m telling you, but they’re in that box. If you’ll just let me get them.”
The soldier pointed the end of his pulse pistol at her. “Stay put, Ms. Steele. You’re going nowhere.”
Dressed in black fatigues instead of his usual khaki’s and button up blue shirt, Johansson stepped forward. “It’s gone, sir.”
Babylonia furled her brow. “What’s gone? What are you doing, Johansson?”
Johansson turned to her. “My duty, Ms. Steele.”
Anger radiated from her eyes, and for a moment she thought about punching him in the face. Instead, she balled her hands into fists and then released them. “How could you?”
He turned his back to her. “As I was saying it’s not here, and neither is Uri. I bet it’s with him.”
The commander pointed his pulse pistol at Babylonia. “Where’s the man?”
Sweat beaded on her upper lip and her voice shook. “How should I know?”
He flicked off the safety and lowered the pistol closer to her head. “I said, where is he?”
Fear flashed in Babylonia’s eyes, and her heart felt as though it was going to fly right out of her chest. “I don’t know.” She sobbed. “I don’t. Please. I haven’t done anything wrong.” Tears slid down her cheeks, leaving tracks in the dust that had settled on her skin.
“That’s just not good enough. Dr. Steele.” The man lifted his pistol and struck her against the temple with its back end.
The world went black as Babylonia hit the ground with a thud.
Chapter Two
The wind howled through the glowing rocks creating a symphony of pipe sound that echoed through the compound. Uri surveyed the landscape from his position behind the outcropping nearest Babylonia’s starcruiser. Babylonia lay in a heap in the center of the command tent. Anger flashed across his face. “I should have been here instead of waiting at the cantina.” He crouched low listening to his surroundings. All was still. He gave another cursory look at the dig site and jogged toward Babylonia.
Uri crouched in the soft sand beside Babylonia’s body. He carefully lifted her head onto his knees. “Babylonia.” His voice was soft as he gently caressed the side of her face and examined the purple flesh surrounding her temple. “Those old-earth-targs! They’ll pay for this.” He traced her full lips with his deeply tanned finger. A slight moan escaped Babylonia’s throat, and her eyelids fluttered. He scooped her up into his arms and carried her into the Lady Serpentine. Uri laid Babylonia on the chase lounge, secured the windows and sealed the door before taking a seat in the flight room.
He turned on the navscreen, and the Lady Serpentine appeared on the map. Several green blips circled their position. “Great. Militarian starships.” Uri studied the navigation panel until he located a blue flashing light. He pressed the button, and in reply, the engines roared to life. He stabilized the craft, hovering twenty feet above the ground. Uri wiped his sweaty hands on his khaki shorts. “If I know Babylonia, you have a secret or two to surrender to me, Lady Serpentine.”
His hands nervously traced the dash looking for a hidden compartment. Beside the navscreen switch, he felt the panel dip ever so slightly. “I knew you’d give it up to me!” He pressed the area down with two fingers. The Lady Serpentine disappeared from the navscreen. “Yes!” He watched as the green blips accelerated toward their position.
Uri lifted the starcruiser to two-thousand feet, locked in a course for the islands, and hit auto pilot. The screen switched from map view to landscape. Thousands of pinprick stars littered the night sky. Babylonia stirred, but didn’t wake. He ran his fingers through her hair and placed a kiss on her forehead. “No worries, lovely. I’ll have Dr. Flynn check you over when we get to my plantation.”
Pools of orange and purple rippled in the water’s current as the early morning sun chased away the dark. In the distance, giant palms partly obscured the enormous white plantation house dressed with terracotta roof tiles. Uri radioed the tower on his estate. “Julius. It’s Uri. I’m coming in.”
“Dr. Rankston, it’s good to hear your voice. Stand by, and I’ll lower the shields.”
Uri smiled. “It’s good to hear yours, too. I’ve set the cruiser to accept your controls. Guide her in and have Dr. Flynn meet me at the landing pad.”
“Sure thing, sir.”
Uri felt the gentle tug of the guidance system lock onto the starcruiser. He hailed the tower again. “Oh, Julius, one more thing. Can you have Lucinda set out a fresh set of clothes for me, and something cool for a woman – about a size twelve.”
“Consider it done.”
Uri watched as the grounds and his house filled the view screen. Large date palms lined the gardens, and the coconut palms were heavy with fruit. Workers ambled amidst the landscape picking ripe coconuts, and harvesting bananas and pineapples. He noticed bushels of fruit piled onto flatbed hover-trucks, destined for the local markets and those off world. A sense of pride filled him with emotion. “By old Earth, I’ve missed this place.”
He opened the air vents as the Lady Serpentine made her final descent to the landing pad. The fragrance of jasmine, hibiscus, and salty sea air filtered through the ship's ventilation system. The Lady Serpentine released her landing gear. The stabilizers hissed as she landed with a slight thud. Babylonia stirred, but didn’t wake.
Uri opened the hatch to a waiting Julius. “Dr. Flynn is in the guest quarters, Sir. Mrs. Sarum was giving birth to twins. He’s just back. So, I thought I’d give you a hand.” Julius stepped aboard.
“Good. Help me get her onto the stretcher.” Uri grabbed a small box out of the first-aid kit and pushed the release button. The box floated out of his hands with a quick twisting motion and popped open.
Julius positioned the floating stretcher next to Babylonia as Uri carefully lifted her onto it. It sagged momentarily but adjusted its thrusters to accommodate for her exact body size. Uri secured Babylonia in place with an invisible force field. “Julius, see that she gets to Dr. Flynn. Stay for the examination. I want to know how bad her injuries are, and if she wakes, get me immediately. I’m going to get cleaned up.”
Uri gazed out his bedroom window watching the tide rush in and out. Below, the surf crashed onto the rough edges of the jagged rocks, creating pools of white foam. He inhaled deeply as the sea breeze penetrated the room. The white gauzy curtains billowed around him like the sea foam striking the rocks along the shore.
“Tea, Sir?”
Startled, Uri turned and nodded. “Didn’t hear you come in, Lucinda.”
Her hair was pulled up in a white wrap, and she wore a bright blue dress covered by a frilly embroidered pinafore apron. “Sorry, Sir. Hope I wasn’t intruding.”
“No. Of course not. You’re a welcome sight. You look lovely as always.”
Lucinda blushed. “Thank you, Sir. It’s a new apron.”
“Well. I like it.”
Lucinda poured the hibiscus tea into an antique tea cup from Old Earth. It bore a pattern from the House of Windsor.
Lucinda swizzled honey into the tea and stirred it. “Here you go.”
“Thank you.” He took a sip. “Perfect as always. How’ve you been since I’ve been gone?”
“Been good. Nothing to complain of, Sir. Benji’s been working hard organizing the harvest. You know how it is this time of year. Never enough time to get everything done, and the sugarcane’s about ready now, too.”
Uri nodded and took another sip of tea. “Why don’t you sit down and have a cup with me? We can catch up.”
Lucinda shook her head. “Can’t right now, though I’d love to. Got too much to do. Storm’s brewing out there. Can feel it in my knee. Got to make sure to get the linens off the line before it comes to a head.”
Uri chuckled. “You know we have a vapor washer and dryer. You don’t have to hang them out there.”
Lucinda swatted at him. “Why, I’d never! Nothing’s as good as a good hand scrubbing and fresh white linen drying in the sun. How else you expect to get that clean scent?” She frowned.
“Well, be gone with you then. Get those linens up before the rain comes.” Uri pretended to shoo her away.
“Oh, Mr. Uri. You’re still a handful.” Lucinda gathered the tea tray and hustled out.
He turned back to look out the window. Dark clouds gathered off the horizon. He shook his head. “That woman’s knee is better than the best weather program.”
Uri reached into his pocket and withdrew the artifact. The silver creature glistened, illuminated by the shafts of the remaining sunlight that poured in shafts between the black clouds. The faceted rubies and sapphires glowed as the light made direct contact. “You’re such a small thing, but you change everything.”
Chapter Three
Gwyn and Adrik loaded the Donatello David statue into the cargo bay. “I am so glad we have these grav-lifters. Can you imagine having to load this thing without them?” Gwyn pushed a button, and the statue landed on the floor with a slight thud.
Adrik wiped his forehead with the back of his arm. “I can’t even imagine. It’s so hot out here. I think I’d keel over if I had to try to carry it.”
“Me, too.” She chugged some water and tossed the bottle to Adrik.
He downed the liquid, then clipped the carabiner to his belt loop. “Well, you ready to try Rodrigo’s new tech?”
Gwyn grinned. “Always. I can’t wait to see how this works.”
Adrik handed her a small rectangular box.
“Well, now or never.” She pointed it at the David statue and pressed the lever. The statue turned invisible. “Yes!” She gave Adrik a high-five. “Works just like he said.”
Adrik reached out and touched it. “It’s still here, but I sure can’t see it.”
“Well. If authorities nose around, they may find it.” She laughed. “Caracho! They may walk right into it. But, if we’re scanned, it’s well hidden.” She patted the invisible statue. Rodrigo deserves a huge kiss for this.”
Adrik scowled. “Not from you.” He pulled her into him and folded his arms around her. He leaned into her and kissed her deeply, his tongue searching her mouth.
Her body responded with a jolt; flames erupted through her body.
“Thought you’d be in here.” Jericho ran a hand through his sticky hair.
Gwyn and Adrik broke apart. “Just securing the cargo.”
“Didn’t look like that’s what you were doing.” He laughed. “I don’t even see it.” He glanced around the cargo bay. “So, where is it?”
Gwyn grabbed his hand and led him over to the statue. “Touch here.”
He felt the hard metal beneath his fingers. “Caracho! That’s amazing. Rodrigo’s outdone himself this time. Who knew you could retrofit a ship’s invisibility shield into something so small?”
“Rodrigo has these ideas and boom. There you see it. Man’s a genius. Really.” Gwyn stored the remaining cargo in the hidden cargo hold. “Guess we can lift off anytime.”
Adrik’s stomach rumbled, and he rubbed it. “I’m ready.”
“Sounds like you’re ready for some food. Let me go get washed up, and I’ll make you two some gorditas.” She kissed Jericho on the cheek as she walked by.
“You are too kind to this old man, Gwyn.”
“Anything for you, Tío. Give me ten.”
Adrik and Jericho watched her walk away.
Gwyn entered her quarters and tossed her dirty clothes into the laundry chute. Beneath her feet, the Pleiades rumbled, as it lifted off into the atmosphere. She placed her hand against the window and looked out. It was cold to the touch. Below, greenery and water covered Old Earth.
“One of these days, I’m going to build a summer house here, if Rodí can figure out that bio-filter system.”
The sky went from light blue to black as they entered the upper atmosphere. The ship slightly lunged as it crossed into orbit, and she sighed. Gwyn took one more glance through the window. Stars passed by like snowflakes. A smile traced her lips. Nothing like the beauty of space.
Gwyn pulled her hair down and wrapped a towel around her naked body. She studied her reflection. Soot covered her under eyes and cheeks. Past time for a shower, I think.
She slipped her feet into slippers, then exited her room. Gwyn followed the short corridor to the communal bathroom and closed the door. She turned the dial on the sauna feature and sat down on the toilet. She took a deep breath, enjoying the heat that swaddled her like a blanket. Sweat poured off her body cleansing the toxins from her skin. She waited a few minutes, then turned on the shower.
The water was warm but cooler than the sauna. Gwyn stepped beneath the flowing water and closed her eyes as the water poured down her face and onto her tired shoulders. She sighed deeply, as the day’s dirt and grime washed away. She reached above her head and stretched her sore back. Suddenly strong arms pulled her against a hard-chiseled chest. She opened her eyes. “Soldier?”
Adrik grinned. “I figured if you needed a shower before dinner, so did I.” He kissed her beneath the showerhead, and the flowing water threatened to take Gwyn’s breath. She took a careful breath, and kissed him back, pushing him against the back of the shower. His body felt hard beneath hers, and his wet skin thrilled her.
Adrik pulled her close then nuzzled her neck. For a moment, Gwyn stayed in the moment, longing to melt into him. Her stomach growled loudly, and he laughed.
She stood up. “Can you hand me the soap?”
Adrik frowned. “This is not where I thought this was going.”
Gwyn laughed. “Maybe not. But, I’m hungry.” She quickly lathered her hair and body.
Adrik watched. “Need help?”
Gwyn cocked her eyebrow. “I got it. Thanks.” She rinsed off and stepped out of the shower.
Adrik leaned out from behind the shower curtain, holding a bottle of soap. “Ugh, before you go?”
Gwyn fastened the towel around her chest. “Yes?”
“Can you wash my back?”
“I suppose so.” She grabbed the bottle and squirted some soap in the center of her palm. She rubbed him down and rinsed the soap off her hand. “Done.”
Adrik pouted. “You didn’t use your nails.”
Gwyn huffed. “Oh, you big baby!”
“What? That’s the best part.” He cut her a sideways glance.
“Turn around.” She washed his back again, this time scratching it with her nails.
He shimmied beneath her touch. “That’s great. Now just a little to the right.”
“Adrik! Stop it!” She stepped back. “You’re getting me wet!” Her brown eyes smiled.
“I like you wet.” Adrik turned off the shower and stepped out beside her.
The intercom beeped. Gwyn put a finger in front of her lips. “Shhh…” She pressed the com button.
A smile traced Adrik’s lips.
“Yes, Jericho?”
“Gwyn, you have a message from Babylonia.”
“Ok, send it to my quarters.” She blew a silent kiss to Adrik as she left.
Gwyn sat in front of her computer. Babylonia’s voice filled her cabin. She listened to the recording and then formed a replied. “Sounds interesting, Babylonia. Right now, I have a cargo that I need to deliver to Rodrigo, but after that, I have no pressing jobs. I’d love to swing by. I’ll talk to Adrik about it, and see what he says. I will give him your regards, too. I can’t wait to hear about this guy you’ve met. It’s
about time you found someone.”
She paused and looked out her window into space. “By the way, Uncle Jericho is on board with us now, at least for a while.” Gwyn took a breath, “Anyway, I can’t wait to see you, and I hope that’ll be soon. Either way, I’ll talk to you soon. Hugs!” She pressed send and turned off the messenger.
Gwyn made her way to the galley. Adrik and Jericho were waiting at the table.
“So, Gran’s gorditas?” Adrik’s eyes were smiling.
“But, of course. Who else’s recipe would I use?”
Jericho grabbed plates from the cabinet. “There are no gorditas like Mama’s. That’s for sure.”
Gwyn entered the ingredients into the food synthesizer, and a platter full of gorditas appeared. She carried the tray to the table and sat it between them. Jericho and Adrik grabbed a couple, and she grabbed one.
Between mouthfuls, Adrik spoke. “So, what’s new with Babylonia?”
“She’s finally found the proof that the Metreskans were the first to inhabit Mirada. Which means the Militarian have no claim to govern the planet.”
Adrik took another bite and wiped the cheese from his chin.
“This finding is going to change everything when she gets it to the council.”
Adrik leaned forward, “If she can keep her hands on it. No doubt the Militarian are watching her every move. Do you know if she’s already entered her findings into the interstellar database?”
Gwyn shook her head. “She didn’t say.” She took a bite of food and chewed it slowly. “Man, this is good.”
Jericho nodded his head in agreement.
Adrik frowned.
“What? You don’t like the food?” Gwyn looked hurt.
“No. It’s not that. The food’s great. I just thought after we unload the Donatello, we had better go to Mirada and see if Babylonia needs help. I know you had wanted to visit Calista, but I think we need to get there fast.”
The Outer World Chronicles: Books 1, 2, 3 Page 10